1. < Depression & Anxiety

Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)

Posted by richyrich @richyrich, Nov 2, 2016

I have been taking Effexor/Venlafaxine for years and tried to get off it a few times but each time I try to give up the chemical withdrawal symptoms are a horror story and I give up giving up. Anyone got any tips or tried and tested strategies? Thank you

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darlal | @darlal | Jun 25, 2018
In reply to @fallenangel13 "I have been on effexor since 2015 . I was put on it without being informed..." + (show)
@fallenangel13

I have been on effexor since 2015 . I was put on it without being informed of anything about it and have been trying to get off ever since. My doctor won't help me so I am fixing to go cold turkey. It's getting more depressing being on it than it's worth. I have read what everyone has posted and all great if you have a doctor willing to help. Good luck to you all.

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Do NOT go cold turkey! It's dangerous! Very, very slowly decrease the dosage. Very slowly!

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121314 | @121314 | Jun 25, 2018
In reply to @tarsh "Hi all, I have been on effexor for coming up 10 years. I am just starting..." + (show)
@tarsh

Hi all, I have been on effexor for coming up 10 years. I am just starting the process of tapering down. Im really freaked out as i have been told it is really difficult to come off. Any advice???

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I came off of Paxil breaking the pills in two, taking half until I felt like I could stand it. Then a half of a half, then down to crumbs, every other night, then every third night etc. go as fast or slow as you need to. I did it gradual and found that I would have to increase a day or so then taper back down. You can do it. However, what I have found is that I really can’t go off of antidepressants. I am now on lexapro which isn’t as good as Paxil but I apparently will have to be on

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giacamosgirl58 | @giacamosgirl58 | Jun 25, 2018

I agree with darial. I’m not a medical professional. It took me almost 6 months to get off of Effexor XR 75mg. Without my pharmacist assistance I’d still be on it. Talk to your pharmacist. They understand all of the side effects and will help you be successful. Good luck!

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Brightwings AKA Cute Susie | @brightwings | Jun 25, 2018

@fallenangel13
DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY. DO NOT!
Click on my name and read my first post. That is what is waiting for you if you do. I had a mini stroke by doing that before I found this site.
I am an RN. I am aware that relationships can be complicated between doctors and patients but something doesn't feel right here.
If your doc won't help you, find one who will. There are plenty of docs and PA's out there.
Smiling at you, Bright Wings

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121314 | @121314 | Jun 25, 2018
In reply to @jakedduck1 "Sure you can get off it, just remember to get off it slowly. I never thought..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

Sure you can get off it, just remember to get off it slowly. I never thought I’d get off Klonopin but I kept cutting it until I was taking tiny pieces very tiny pieces. It took a long time but I did it without any problems. Wishing you the best.

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Konipen was hard for me to get off of. How long did it take you.

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dianrib | @dianrib | Jun 25, 2018
In reply to @writerelh "I am on day 5 of no Effexor, and was so glad to find this discussion..." + (show)
@writerelh

I am on day 5 of no Effexor, and was so glad to find this discussion group and be able to see other’s experiences.
I was originally on 75mg, cut to 35.5mg and after a few days couldn’t handle the withdrawal symptoms and went back up to my original dose. After 6months I was ready to try again and went back to half dose with only a few days of withdrawal. Just last week my doctor said I could try going off it completely.
It is not easy- I have severe dizziness and sleeplessness. The brain “zaps” are intense, and I feel exhausted, but I’m determined to see this through. Today I’m very emotional and was worried my depression and anxiety symptoms were returning. After finding this thread and reading other’s similar experiences, I’m sure these are just additional withdrawal symptoms.
I’m going to cut out my caffeine intake and add more exercise until I feel better. I’m glad that I had this drug when I needed it- it truly did help me, but I don’t think I will go on it again. If my depression and anxiety returns, I will opt to try something else with less severe withdrawal symptoms.

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Thanks Really low today 75 and counting

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dianrib | @dianrib | Jun 25, 2018
In reply to @fallenangel13 "I have been on effexor since 2015 . I was put on it without being informed..." + (show)
@fallenangel13

I have been on effexor since 2015 . I was put on it without being informed of anything about it and have been trying to get off ever since. My doctor won't help me so I am fixing to go cold turkey. It's getting more depressing being on it than it's worth. I have read what everyone has posted and all great if you have a doctor willing to help. Good luck to you all.

Jump to this post

Careful   Come off it s l o w l y 

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dianrib | @dianrib | Jun 25, 2018
In reply to @jakedduck1 "Sure you can get off it, just remember to get off it slowly. I never thought..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

Sure you can get off it, just remember to get off it slowly. I never thought I’d get off Klonopin but I kept cutting it until I was taking tiny pieces very tiny pieces. It took a long time but I did it without any problems. Wishing you the best.

Jump to this post

Thanks for the info

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grandmaR | @grandmar | Jun 25, 2018
In reply to @jakedduck1 "Sure you can get off it, just remember to get off it slowly. I never thought..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

Sure you can get off it, just remember to get off it slowly. I never thought I’d get off Klonopin but I kept cutting it until I was taking tiny pieces very tiny pieces. It took a long time but I did it without any problems. Wishing you the best.

Jump to this post

@121314
Hi!
I can bet it is hard for you. My understanding is that Colonapen is a go to drug that you take when your regular meds aren't enough and you are having an anxiety attack. It is not meant to be taken on an on-going basis.
I am not in the medical field, but I do suggest you go to a doctor who can monitor you as you try to come off.

Good luck to you!!!!!!

Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Jun 25, 2018

@121314
Hi there, why do you have to be on Antidepressants? Are you Bipolar (although that’s not a depressive disorder, but unipolar is, as I understand it) or have schizophrenia or melancholic depression or some other type. Have you had you vitamin D checked, low D can cause depression in some people. Have you had your Thyroid and other blood tests done?

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